Method of providing a running side bet wager on craps

ABSTRACT

A side best is added to the play of a game of Craps. A player places a side bet wager on an occurrence of at least two consecutive Pass events, and establishing a third Point without rolling a seven. After the third Point is made, a payout is awarded. All subsequent rolls gain a payout until the shooter rolls a seven.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of casino table wagering games, particularly casino table dice games related to the play of the game of Craps, and most particularly to side bet wagers that may be placed in the underlying game of craps.

2. Background of the Art

The game of craps is a popular and long established casino table wagering game.

General Rules for Play of Craps:

Each player places at least one of the various wagers indicated below before the dice are thrown by the shooter. A shooter (the person throwing the dice) must have at least one minimum wager (on the “pass” or “don't pass” line) on the table, although a partner may throw the dice for someone else placing the wager. As the pair of dice provides 36 possible outcomes for a single roll of one standard pair of dice, there are 36 possible outcomes on each and every roll of the dice in the standard game of craps.

The standard wagers include a PASS LINE wager:

The player will lose this wager on a shooter opening throw totaling 2, 3, or 12, and will lose all money wagered on this area. The player will win on a shooter opening throw totaling 7 or 11, and will win on a 1 to 1 payout basis. The effect of the above two rules is that the player either wins or loses on an opening throw of 2, 3, 7, 11, or 12. If these values do not appear on the opening roll, then a POINT is established. The possible POINT numbers are therefore as follows: 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. Assuming that the opening throw established a POINT, players with a wager on the pass line would win if the shooter on any subsequent throw obtained the same sum total of the POINT, establishing a PASS, before throwing a 7. In summary, the shooter's first throw (or “come out” roll) only yields the total number to be used for the POINT, wins with a 7 or 11, or loses with craps (i.e., a 2, 3 or 12).

Players who wagered on the PASS LINE, may make an additional wager after the POINT is established, and before any subsequent throw of the dice. This is called TAKING the odds, and the odds and payouts for this additional wager are as follows:

POINT PAYOUT 6 or 8 6 to 5 5 or 9 3 to 2  4 or 10 2 to 1

The taking of the odds is considered by some to be one of the best wagers in the casino for the player, with a house hold of only about 0.8% of the total money wagered.

Again, a player who wagered on the pass line, and made this additional wager as well, would now be looking for the shooter to obtain a total number on any subsequent throw equal to the established POINT. If this occurs, the player would receive a payout of 1 to 1 on the original pass line wager, and receive the odds as stated above for the additional TAKING of the odds wager. However, if after establishing the POINT, the shooter throws a 7 on any subsequent throw prior to the shooter making the POINT as described above, players would lose all money wagered on the pass line, as well as all additional money wagered on this particular established POINT (i.e., the TAKING of the odds wager described above).

Once either the POINT is made, or the shooter's throw totals 7 after the POINT is established, all bets would be settled, and this would signify the end of that portion of play for that particular established POINT. The shooter on the next throw would be looking again to establish a “new” POINT for the players.

DON'T PASS LINE Wager:

This phase of the craps game (and wagering associated therewith) for the players is essentially directed to the opposite events when compared with the PASS LINE and associated wagering as described above. The only major difference (again realizing that pass line is essentially the opposite of don't pass line) is that players wagering on the DON'T PASS LINE do not win if the shooter's opening throw is a 12, whereas PASS LINE players do in fact lose if the shooter's opening throw is a 12. A wager placed by the player on this area of the table would take on a payout similar to the PASS LINE, and would be 1 to 1 if the shooter's opening throw (before the establishment of the point) is a 2 or 3 (sometimes the 12 is excluded from the Don't Pass wager to provide additional house advantage). However, if the shooter's opening throw is a 7 or 11, then the player would lose all of his or her wager on this area of the table. Once again, an opening throw of 12 would mean nothing to the players who have wagered on the DON'T PASS LINE, if there is a DON'T PASS BAR 12 rule in effect, which there almost always is (or a BAR 2 rule), as the probabilities would favor the player without the BAR provision.

Working in a similar (but opposite) fashion as the PASS LINE wager, once the POINT is established, the player having wagered on the DON'T PASS LINE will win if the shooter rolls a 7 on a subsequent throw before making the established POINT, that is, a roll of the same value as the established point. The player will usually win a payout of 1 to 1 on the initial DON'T PASS LINE wager.

Just as with the PASS LINE, a player having placed the DON'T PASS LINE wager has the opportunity to place an additional wager down once the POINT is established. The DON'T PASS LINE wagering player can LAY the odds, and the odds and payouts for this additional wager are as follows:

POINT PAYOUT 6 or 8 5 to 6 5 or 9 2 to 3  4 or 10 1 to 2 Again, the player who wagered on the DON'T PASS LINE, and made this additional wager, will win if the shooter rolls a 7 on any subsequent throw. If this occurs, the player will normally receive a payout of 1 to 1 on the original DON'T PASS LINE wager, and receive the odds as stated above for the additional laying of the odds wager on the DON'T PASS LINE.

However, after establishing the POINT, if on any subsequent throw the shooter makes the established POINT by rolling that number again prior to the shooter obtaining a 7, the player would lose all money wagered on the DON'T PASS LINE, as well as any and all additional money wagered on this particular established POINT (i.e., the LAYING of the odds wager).

Once either the POINT is made, or the shooter rolls a 7 after the POINT is established, all bets would be settled, and this would signify the end of that portion or play for that particular established POINT. The shooter on the house's next throw would be looking to establish a “new” POINT for the players. Basically a “new” round of craps begins. If the shooter throws a seven and “sevens-out,” all bets are settled and the dice are passed to a next shooter.

Players wagering on the DON'T PASS LINE can take their entire wager (including any LAY wager placed) down (i.e., remove their wager) at any time during the course of play, as long as there have been no dice thrown. COME and DON'T COME wagers:

The COME and DON'T COME wagers can only be made after the POINT has been established. The COME wager is similar to the PASS LINE wager. Players making a COME wager win if the shooter rolls a 7 or establishes another POINT. All of the same rules as in the PASS LINE wager apply to the COME wager as far as throws of other numbers are concerned. Furthermore, all of the same rules apply as far as making this additional POINT is concerned.

The DON'T COME area is similar to the DON'T PASS LINE wager. Players making a DON'T COME wager win if the shooter fails to roll a 7 or establish another point for them. All of the same rules in the DON'T PASS LINE apply to the DON'T COME wager as far as throws of other numbers are concerned. Furthermore, all of the same rules apply as far as making this additional POINT is concerned.

FIELD Bet:

Players may also play the FIELD. This is a one throw wager where the player receives a 1 to 1 payout if the shooter's roll on the very next throw totals any one of 3, 4, 9, 10, or 11. Some casinos will replace the 9 with the 5 and vice versa. This is a choice reserved by the house, and does not impact the integrity of the game of the invention. Whether the number 5 or 9 is included in the field, would be pre-established, and noted on each and every table so that all players would be fully aware of the numbers making up the FIELD wager. Also included in the FIELD wager and payout would be a shooter total of 2 or 12 on the shooter's first two cards of the very next throw. Under these scenarios, the payout would be as follows:

NUMBER PAYOUT 2 2 to 1 12 3 to 1

The FIELD wager is also a one throw wager, and the player will win as described above. However, any other first roll total obtained by the shooter (other than that identified by the FIELD and displayed on the table layout) will result in a player loss of the entire wager placed. All of the field wagers are settled on each and every throw. Hence, this is a one throw wager, with the player either winning or losing on each throw. PLACE (or BUY) and LAY wagering:

A player wishing to PLACE a wager on any of the following numbers: 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, may do so after the point is established. Players placing (or buying) a wager on a particular number are looking for the shooter's subsequent throw after the come out throw to total the number the wager was placed on. This wager will remain active until such time that the shooter's next throw totals the number the wager was placed on, or a 7 is rolled. Any other total obtained by the shooter would be irrelevant to the player making this wager, and the wager would remain on the table, unless the player indicates to take the wager down (or turn the wager off or remove the wager). The player can take their wager down (or turn off their wager) at any time during the course of play, as long as no dice have been thrown to begin a new round of throwing.

If the shooter's roll totals the number the player placed the wager on, then the player would win and be paid according to the below payout table:

PLACE BUY (plus 5%) NUMBER PAYOUT PAYOUT  4 or 10 9 to 5 2 to 1 5 or 9 7 to 5 3 to 2 6 or 8 7 to 6 6 to 5

However, if any of the shooter's subsequent throws total a seven, any and all players who have made a PLACE (or BUY) wager would lose the entire amount wagered. It should be noted again that all other numbers aside from a 7 or the number the PLACE (or BUY) wager was made are inconsequential to this wager, and the wager will remain active for the next round of throwing, unless the player decides to take the wager down by removing the wager (or turn the wager off, where a special “OFF” button may be placed on the wager).

A player BUYING a number would have to place a desired wager plus 5% to obtain the odds in the far right column as stated directly above. The additional 5% would go directly to the house. Therefore, if the player desired to BUY the 5 for $10.00, they would have to give $10.50. The $10.00 would be placed on the 5, and the player would receive a payout of 3 to 2 on this $10.00, should the player win. The $0.50 would be retained by the house, and will not be included in any payout calculation.

LAY Wagering:

A player wishing to LAY a wager on any of the following numbers: 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, may do so after a point has been established. The LAY bet is essentially the opposite of a BUY wager. Players laying a wager on a particular number will win if a 7 is rolled before the number wagered on. This wager will remain active until such time that the shooter's first and next throw totals the number the wager was placed on, or a 7 is rolled. Any other total obtained by the shooter would be irrelevant to the player making this wager, and the wager would remain on the table, unless the player indicates to take the wager down. The player can take their wager down at any time during the course of play, as long as no dice have been thrown to begin a new round of throwing.

If the shooter's first and next throw totals a 7, then the player would win, and be paid according to the below payout table:

NUMBER LAY (plus 5%) PAYOUT  4 or 10 1 to 2 5 or 9 2 to 3 6 or 8 5 to 6

However, if the shooter's next throw totals the number the LAY wager was placed on, the player loses the entire amount wagered. It should be noted that all other numbers aside from a 7 or the number the LAY wager was made are inconsequential to this wager, and the wager will remain active for the next round of throwing, unless the player decides to take the wager down (or turn the wager off).

A player LAYING a number, would have to place down a desired wager plus 5%. The additional 5% would go directly to the house. Therefore, if the player desired to LAY the 5 for $10.00, they would have to give the shooter $10.50. The $10.00 would be placed behind the 5, and the player would receive a payout of 2 to 3 on this $10.00, should the player win. The $0.50 would be retained by the house, and will not be included in any payout calculation.

Standard Proposition Wagers

In wagering on the standard proposition bets at the craps table, a player makes a wager as to the occurrence of a specific event on the next single roll of the dice. The player can only win if the sum of the shooter's first (next) throw of the dice is the exact number his or her wager was placed on, for example, with odds typically as follows:

WAGER PLACED PAYOUT  2 30 to 1 12 30 to 1  3 15 to 1 11 15 to 1  2 & 12 15 to 1 2 & 3  9 to 1 11 & 12  9 to 1  3 & 11  7 to 1 (Horn) 2, 3, 11, & 12  4 to 1

According to the present teachings, individual boxes may be provided for wagers that are ordinarily split into separate wagers or placed across lines separating the wagers, such as 2 & 12 (high/low) is a bet (with ½ the total wager on 2, and ½ the total wager on 12), similarly wagers are placed (and have to be split) on a prop bet on a 2 and a 3 on the next roll or on an 11 or 12 (Referred to as E.T., eleven-twelve) which is split or placed on the line separating the 11 and 12 in the prop bet area. “Any Craps” (a roll of 2, 3 or 12) and Three-Way craps (with specific wager amounts on each of the craps events of 2, 3 and 12) bets can be placed. These odds and payouts must be clearly marked on the table so that all players are aware of the exact odds, as the odds may vary slightly at different casinos or even at different table.

In addition to these standard wagers (and others, such as BIG 6 or BIG 8, hopping wagers, “Big Red” (any seven), Three-Way Seven, and the like, that may be present on a casino craps table or electronic version thereof.

Craps has been an established part of the casino environment for over a hundred years, in spite of the fact that it is a labor intensive game, with a minimum of four personnel present at the table during play. It is believed that the excitement of the game, some relatively favorable wagers/odds and the camaraderie of the game have required major casinos to continue offering the game.

It would be desirable for the casinos to increase their revenue in the game, particularly by providing new profitable wagers with a potential for high odds that would attract more wagers and even attract new players. Numerous novel wagers, either rolling wagers (in which the wager is active until a negative or positive event occurs) and proposition wagers (which are active for only a single roll of the dice, unless a positive event occurs), have been proposed and provided on Craps tables to try to provide these larger returns and provide additional interest to players. The following disclosures show examples of known directions and attempts at providing additional Craps side bet wagers.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 20060181024 (Cacas) discloses an otherwise conventional craps table comprising a segment which allows a player to wager on the occurrence that one or more consecutive passes will be made in the next sequence of rolls of the dice, during the play of a craps game. An otherwise conventional craps table comprises a betting area, which allows a player to wager that a 3, or an 11 will be rolled before a 7 is rolled. An otherwise conventional craps table comprises a betting area, which allows a player to wager on any of the doubles being rolled before a seven is rolled. An otherwise conventional craps table comprises a betting area which allows a player to make a wager that if won would be paid off with a car, or other jackpot type prize. Other novel bets are illustrated and others wagers could be used in these areas. The Cacas reference teaches a side bet wager on consecutive passes. The Cacas' wager is paid only on all multiple passes, the first, second, third, fourth . . . etc. The Cacas' wager is paid multiples on higher numbers of consecutive passes.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 20060097452 (Ryan et al.) describes a method of playing a conventional game of Craps with an improvement including the step of placing a bet on the Craps game being played where the bet is independent of the game being played and of other bets being made during the game. The step of placing a bet further includes betting that the next throw of the dice in the Craps game will result in a 6, 7, or 8 being thrown.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 20060043678 (Golden) describes a casino craps table layout and game which is provided with unique wagering opportunities. There are specific wagering areas for placing a wager on at least one of two new wagering opportunities. These new wagering opportunities are selected from the group consisting of a) a wager that the next roll of the dice will be a hard 4, 6, 8 or 10 and b) a wager that the next roll of the dice will be a pair of numbers. Another new wagering opportunity is a placed wager for any specific number (e.g., 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10).

U.S. Pat. No. 5,487,547 (Hobert) describes a wagering method and betting table for craps with a progressive bet or jackpot bet provided for a specific number and type of consecutive doubles being rolled. Specifically, the progressive wager is for doubles 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 being rolled in any order with no other rolls being present. This is a wager determined by consecutive and repeating events.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,670 (Hobert) describes a layout and method of play of the game of craps wherein a pair of dice is used, the dice being of a size for manually rolling to present one of eleven different numbers which define a plurality of point numbers, at least one natural number, and at least one craps number. A gaming layout provides a flat surface upon which said dice may be rolled and upon which bets may be laid by physical placement of wagers, said flat surface including indicia thereon representing a plurality of wager areas, said wager areas including: (a) a pass line area for receiving a wager betting both (i) that one or more rolls of dice will yield an established first point number without rolling the number “7”; and (ii) that a natural number is rolled prior to establishing the first point number or prior to rolling a craps number; (b) a don't pass area for receiving a wager betting both (i) that one or more rolls of the dice will yield the number “7” prior to the rolling of an established first point number; and (ii) that a craps number is rolled prior to establishing the first point number or prior to rolling a natural number; and (c) a jackpot area for receiving a wager that a set of a plurality of dice outcomes are rolled, said set having a remote probability of occurrence, and said set being randomly generated at a certain point in the play.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,728,002 and (Hobert) describes a craps game that incorporates a jackpot wagering area in a traditional craps game. In the jackpot wagering area, a player may make a bet that covers multiple wagers, including at least one jackpot sequence wager that a jackpot sequence of dice outcomes will be rolled. The jackpot sequence has a relatively remote possibility of occurrence and, correspondingly, a high payoff. A jackpot wagering area bet covers wagers in addition to the jackpot sequence wager. For example, the bet may also cover an additional jackpot sequence wager, a lower payoff sequence wager, or a traditional craps wager. This is a wager determined by consecutive and repeating events.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,749 (Hobert) describes a method of playing a craps game that incorporates a jackpot wagering area in a traditional craps game. The method includes receiving a bet that a jackpot sequence of dice outcomes will be rolled. The jackpot sequence has a relatively remote possibility of occurrence and, correspondingly, a high payoff. A jackpot wagering area bet may cover wagers in addition to the jackpot sequence wager. For example, the bet may also cover an additional jackpot sequence wager, a lower payoff sequence wager, or a traditional craps wager.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004130094 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,805,352 (Hunter) describe a progressive jackpot that is awarded in a craps game. Three dice are used in the come-out roll. The progressive jackpot is funded with an ante from each player who places a bet in the craps game. A chance to win the progressive jackpot is initiated whenever a first predetermined outcome occurs in the come-out roll. The progressive jackpot is awarded to the current players if a roll subsequent to the come-out roll having a first predetermined outcome has a second predetermined outcome. The outcome of at least two of the dice in the come-out roll are used to determine the outcome of the craps game only if the come-out roll does not achieve the first predetermined outcome. The winning event for the progressive jackpot was (a) funding the progressive jackpot with an ante from each player who places a bet in the craps game; (b) initiating a chance for the current players to win the progressive jackpot whenever a first predetermined outcome occurs in the come-out roll; (c) awarding the progressive jackpot to the current players if a roll subsequent to the come-out roll having a first predetermined outcome has a second predetermined outcome; and (d) using the outcome of at least two of the dice of the come-out roll to determine the outcome of the craps game only if the come-out roll does not achieve the first predetermined outcome.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,761,353 (Berman et al.) describes a dice game embodied in a table or slot machine format utilizing spinning wheels or slots to generate numbers based multiple repetitions or a count of numbers prior to novel termination and payout events. The preferred embodiment differs from traditional craps in that there is no requirement of a repeated number roll for a win. In one embodiment, a number other than seven, the target number, can be rolled on two six sided dice, numbered on sides from 1-6, in a tournament style fashion over a selected calendar period to win the primary wager. These games include counting the rolls on different players, comparing those rolls and making an award to the player making (a) the most rolls, (b) the most points, (c) the fewest points or rolls or (d) enhanced pay outs for higher targets during a limited (e.g. 4) number of dice rolls.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,513,851 (Harris) describes a gaming apparatus and method which relate to a dice table game having at least two levels of wagering in cooperation with an optional jackpot wager. During operation, a player places an optional jackpot wager and a first level wager upon one of the possible dice combinations. If the player loses at the first level, both wagers are taken by the house. If the player wins at the first level, the player's jackpot wager remains and the player is paid for the first level wager based upon the odds associated with the selected dice combination. When the player wins at the first level, the player is required to place a wager upon a second level by selecting one of the possible combinations of dice offered at the second level. If the player loses at the second level, the second level wager and the jackpot wager are taken by the house. When the player wins at the second level, a payout is effected based upon the odds associated with the dice combination selected by the player and the jackpot wager is held. After a win at the second level, the player is again required to place a wager at a third level. The third level corresponds to a single dice combination, such as “2”. If the third level dice combination is rolled, the player is paid according to a third level payout. In addition, if the player made the appropriate jackpot wager prior to wagering at the first level, the player is also paid from a jackpot.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,676 (Rubin) describes an electronically and physically improved craps game table designed to provoke and stimulate the interest of novice, occasional, and veteran craps game players. The craps game table comprises: a dice rolling area; event registration means for registering a combination rolled; an electronic recent event display; and, a computer programmed to display historical and recent events. A preferred aspect of this invention provides for a craps game table as above wherein the computer is additionally programmed to summarize the most recent events, and wherein the computer is programmed to display the last nine events. The craps game table may additionally be marked to allow game players to wager on events sequentially occurring in two and more moves; and the computer may be programmed to display payoffs for those sequentially occurring events. The most preferred embodiment additionally provides for multiple individual bet placement layouts around the periphery of the table.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,655,689 (Stasi) describes a proposition bet for Craps referred to as a FIRE BET™. The method includes predetermining a schedule of a pay-out table, players placing FIRE BET™ wagers at respective player betting areas prior to a shooter's initial come out; accumulating points responsive to outcomes of the shooter's dice throws, wherein points are made when a number 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 is twice rolled before sevening out, and wherein repeating of any made number is ignored, and making a pay-out based upon the points accumulated and the schedule. A side bet wager is placed on accumulating points being made when a number of the dice from the number group 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 is the outcome of any two of the shooter's dice throws prior to a sevening out, and wherein repetition of a number of any previously made point is ignored; and winning a pay-out based upon the made points accumulated and the schedule. The wager requires different Passes to be made (on different points) before sevening out.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0173966 (Stasi) is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 6,655,689 (above). The game is directed to a plurality of point markers, the plurality of point markers comprising: a first made point marker indicative of a first made point accumulation; a second made point marker indicative of a second made point accumulation; a third made point marker indicative of a third made point accumulation; a fourth made point marker indicative of a fourth made point accumulation; a fifth made point marker indicative of a fifth made point accumulation; and a sixth made point marker indicative of a sixth made point accumulation.

In spite of these various side bets and additional wagers known on Craps tables, it is still desirable to be able to provide novel wagers to attract and maintain additional players and to provide more wagering opportunities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the game of craps, there are certain events and wagers that can occur. One positive event on the craps table is establishing a point on the come-out roll, and then repeating that number before a seven is rolled. This winning event is referred to as a Pass. The present technology comprises a proposed side bet wager that pays the player when at least two Pass events occur with a single shooter without the shooter throwing a sevens-out. Additionally, the shooter must establish a new point without sevening out in order for the side bet to pay out. After the new point is established, the players are paid for all subsequent rolls when the wagers are at risk, and a 7 is not rolled.

Each player places a side bet wager (preferably the croupier places the wager) on the side bet event, and a separate marker or indicator is used to count the number of consecutive Passes that have been made after the side bet wager has been placed. Once the minimum number of passes has been made (e.g., two passes), the shooter continues to roll the dice without putting wagers on the table at risk. Once a new point for each roll is established, a player is paid 1:1 on the side bet wager (referred to herein as the FREE ROLL™ side bet wager) until a terminating event (such as a seven-out) occurs.

Usually and preferably, the Pass event is played with only true Pass events counted (i.e. by rolling a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 and 11) (that is a point that is established and made before a seven is rolled). By redefining the odds and the rules, other modifications could be made, such as allowing come-out sevens and elevens (which allow the shooter to continue and win the Pass Line wagers) or allowing craps rools, i.e. 2, 3 and 12 to be counted as Passes. This would usually be done only after a first true Pass has been established, as the probability of a come-out seven or eleven is much higher than the probability of a true Pass event.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows an example of a table layout for play of a game permitting a side bet wager according to the technology described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the game of craps, there are certain events and wagers that can occur, and these will be described in detail below. On the Come-Out roll, the three possible events are a Craps (roll of a count of 2, 3 or 12) in which the Pass line wager is automatically lost, a roll of 7 or 11 (in which the Pass Line wager is paid out 1:1), and a roll of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 that establishes the Point, used as a reference value in the continuation of throws by the shooter. The primary objective once the Point has been established is to continue rolling the dice to try to repeat the Point before a seven is rolled. Re-rolling the point is referred to as a Pass. The present technology comprises a proposed side bet wager that a) pays the player when at least two Pass events occur by a single shooter without that player throwing a sevens-out, and b) when the shooter establishes a new point without first sevening out. Once the third point is made, the games goes into the “Free Roll” mode, paying players on all rolls that are not sevens. This means that to win, the shooter may throw any combination of at least two passes with one or more Point number of a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10, and then the player, preferably after establishing a third Point, rolls numbers without sevening-out.

It is possible according to alternatives known in the art to allow a Point to be established with a Come-out roll of 2, 3 and 12, with the payout on these Craps points being at odds of 1:2 to adjust for the elimination of the Craps come-out roll. There are numerous other options within the play and structure of the game that can be provided, such as 7's and 11's counting as Passes or at least the second or third Pass events. At least the following variations will be considered for commercialization of the side bet for sequential Passes in the play of Craps:

-   -   1. Preferably only traditional Points and Passes are considered         in the sequence of establishing at least two Passes and then         establishing the third Point, traditional Points being 4, 5, 6,         8, 9 and 10.     -   2. The first Pass, or the first and second Pass preferably is a         traditional Point and Pass, traditional Points being 4, 5, 6, 8,         9 and 10, and at least one or only one of 7's and 11's on the         next Come-out roll (establishing the Third Point) will be         considered as a Pass roll, allowing for the FREE ROLL™ event to         engage.     -   3. The first Pass is preferably a traditional Point and Pass,         traditional Points being 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10, and any 11 (or         even a 2 or 12 or 3) during the subsequent Come-Out rolls to         make a Pass are considered Passes.     -   4. The first Pass is preferably a traditional Point and Pass,         traditional Points being 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10, and a limited         number of Passes (e.g., only one subsequent Pass, only one Pass         in a row) may be other than a traditional Pass.     -   5. The first Pass is a traditional Point and Pass or a 7, 11 or         either of a 7 or 11, traditional Points being 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and         10, and subsequent Passes may only be traditional Passes.     -   6. The first Pass preferably is a 7 or 11, and subsequent Passes         may be traditional Passes.     -   7. Other combinations of traditional Passes and artificial or         alternative Passes may be used in defining the sequence for         which a winning event is determined on the side bet wager.

It is preferable to remember that as the nature and definition of an established Pass changes, the probabilities for events and therefore the payouts rates will also change.

The game is preferably played as follows, with various options, variations and alternatives indicated and available to those skilled in the art. A side bet wager on the side bet event is placed. The wager is preferably placed before the first come-out roll, but players may make the wager at any time before the first point is established. The wager still preferably requires at least two Pass events and the third point must be established before a player making the wager will be paid. For example, if a shooter/player has established a point, another player may subsequently make the side bet wager. To win, there preferably are at least two Passes and a new point is established. Passes made prior to the wager do not count towards engaging payout events on the subsequent side bet wager. If is preferable that all bets be placed before the first pass is established and the additional betting on this side game be prohibited until the wagers are resolved. In other embodiments, the dealer keeps track of the number of passes for each player.

After the wager is placed, the shooter throws the dice on the come-out roll. A roll of a 7 or 11 in the come-out roll in the preferred embodiment would not cause the player to lose the wager. With the wager in place, a Point must first be established before the wager can be lost. After the first Pass has been made, a marker or indicator should be available to show that a first Pass event has occurred. This marker preferably applies to all players making the bet. The shooter then continues to roll, as a come-out roll.

If a seven, eleven, or craps is rolled before a point is established, the event may be variously treated according to local rules that may be selected according to the play of the game. In the preferred method, 7s and 11s are neutral events, as the wager on the side bet event is not at risk to such an event. One preferred format is that 7s, 11s and craps (2, 3 and 12) on the second come-out roll are wager event neutral. Thus, the shooter continues rolling until a second Point is established. Once the second Point is established, the dealer places a marker on the layout and the shooter then attempts to establish a point without sevening out. Once the third point is established, the event wagers are at risk. If the shooter sevens-out, both the Pass line wagers and the event wagers are lost. If the shooter makes a third Pass, the players are paid on the event wager and the FREE ROLL event wager begins.

Once at least two Passes have been made, there are at least two alternate formats that may be played for the wager event. In the preferred format, a third Point must be established so that the Pass line wagers are once again at risk. Once the third Point has been established, the event wager may be paid for all subsequent non-7 rolls. In another embodiment, and after the third point is established, the wager is paid at 1:1 for:

-   -   1) any point roll (4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10);     -   2) any roll other than a seven (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11 or         12);     -   3) any point roll and or 11;     -   4) any point roll and a craps (2, 3 or 12); and     -   5) any point roll and fewer than all other rolls other than a 7,         such as only 2 and 3; only 2, 3 and 11; only 3, 11 and 12; only         2 and 12; and only 2, 11 and 12).         The payouts on the FREE ROLL™ event can continue indefinitely         until a terminating event under the rules occurs. In one         preferred embodiment, the only terminating event is a seven-out         roll. Thus, as the shooter continues on a successful series of         throws, the FREE ROLL™ wager continues to pay 1:1 on the         original wager for what has been determined to be winning rolls         as listed above.

Other payout variations are available, such as an “evens” FREE ROLL™ wager in which there would be payouts for only even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12, or 4, 6, 8 and 10; or 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10; or 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12) rolled after the second Pass and the establishment of the third Point and the payout could be at 2:1 or 5:2, or 3:2, depending on the even numbers used. There could also be a separate “odds” FREE ROLL™ wager on odd numbers occurring after the third Point is established (with odd numbers being 5, and 9; or 3, 5 and 9; or 3, 5, 9 and 11), with payouts being at rates of 2:1, 3:1; 4:1; 5:1 or more for each of the odd numbers thrown before the shooter sevens-out.

Other embodiments of the present invention require the establishment of more than two passes before the next point. For example, some forms of the game might require three passes before making the point that triggers a first payout.

Although payouts are generally described as paying event money, other odds payout schemes are contemplated. For example, the payout odds on the FREE ROLL™ portion may increase with the number of consecutive wins. For example, the first three consecutive rolls after the third point has been made might pay 1:1, while the next three might pay 2:1. Any number of payout schemes may be incorporated, as long as the odds on the event bet statistically favor the house.

These are merely examples of possible payout rates and schedules and are not to be interpreted as limiting the scope of practice of the present invention. Special payouts may be made on the table, for example, for special combinations of Passes, such as a traditional Pass for the first pass in the sequence and two 11s, or three 7's and the like. Other payouts, such as for establishing three identical points in a row are also contemplated.

The event is an adjunct to the play of Craps and is an addition to the basic game that does not interfere with the underlying play of the game of Craps.

Each player places a side bet wager (preferably the croupier places the wager to identify the particular player making the wager) on the side bet event, and a separate marker or indicator is used to count the number of consecutive Passes that have been made after placement of the wager. Typically, that number would be two, but additional Passes are contemplated.

The prior art has suggested that players place the side bet wager between the periphery (internal edge) of the table and the Pass line. This is actually an insecure and undesirable position and method for placement of wagers for a number of reasons. In the game of Craps, because there are so many players at a table (as many as 14 players may be present) and so many different wagering areas for the wide variety of wagers, fraudulent manipulation of wagers is known to be an issue at casinos and requires surveillance by the Pit crew and by cameras. The prior art reference proposed placing the wagers immediately adjacent the Pass line and the back-bet odds wagers on the Pass line, but this positioning offers too many opportunities for the side bet wager to be manipulated. This is because the chips can be placed quickly by players and not observed by the pit crew, even after a first Pass has occurred, thus increasing the likelihood of payment on the wager and reducing the house advantage in an unlawful manner call “Post-Betting”. If the wagers cannot be as readily reached by players, without gross movement over the table, the likelihood of a fraudulent wager is reduced. Typically, only those wagers that are less influenced by the interval in the roll of a particular player, such as the Pass Best, the Come Bet and the Don't Pass wager are placed at the exclusive control of a player.

Usually and preferably in the play of the side bet event wager, the two or three Pass events and at least three Point events that must be achieved are played with only true Pass events counted (that is a Pass being made after a Point is established and made before a seven is rolled).

The preferred proposed side bet event wager of this technology is a separate wager that at least two Pass events will occur, and a third Point established (placing Back-up Pass line odds wagers at risk), without rolling a seven. Additional payouts are made for each roll after the third point is established, until a 7 is rolled.

FIG. 1 shows a proposed table 2 layout for playing Craps with a side bet wager in accordance with the technology described herein. The table 2 is shown with features that may be used in association with a standard game of Craps and in combination with a side bet wager event as described herein. The table 2 surface 106 is used for both throwing dice and for placement of wagers. A surface 106 has areas for placing standard proposition wagers, and running wagers such as hardways and the like, as well as the other standard wagers. Special wager placement areas 16 are provided for the individual FREE ROLL™ side bet wagers of the present technology in a position that is convenient for placement by the Pit crew, but not by individual players. The separate areas 16 are provided with numbered positions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 on the center of the table 2 to show which player position has placed the FREE ROLL™ wager. The number of consecutive Passes (preferably up to two or three according to the game rules) may be indicated by a pass placement area 18. The dealer places a marker on the appropriate number to keep track of the number of passes made during the roll. Alternatively, an electronic device (not shown) could be provided to display the progress towards the desired number of passes. When the table 2 has electronic components in it, a croupier or Pit boss input panel (not shown) having buttons or touchscreen areas (not shown) on it for input of gaming information can be respectively displayed. Among other displays on the table 2 can be the results of individual rolls on a panel (not shown), so that the crew does not have to vocally announce results of individual throws. Individual roll results (such as craps of 2 and 3) may be shown in panels (not shown) which may be lit as well as 11 and 12 rolls. The placement of the individual player wagers on the individual player indicating locations in area 16 is preferably done by the Pit crew so as to avoid potential later manipulation of wager size by players.

In another embodiment, a visual display with or without sound effects (not shown), displays an indication that two Passes have been made and a third Point established, putting the game into a “Free Roll” mode. The display is typically activated by the dealer after payouts are made when the third point is established. The display displays one or more of the following:

-   -   (1) an animation of rolling dice;     -   (2) the number of payouts made on the roll;     -   (3) payout odds on one or more past rolls;     -   (4) payout odds on the next roll;     -   (5) a number of payouts made on the roll;     -   (6) the award of a supplemental bonus for achieving a         predetermined number of rolls before sevening out;     -   (7) an indication that the roll is over (i.e. the player has         sevened out); and     -   (8) a player attract feature to place a future “Free Roll”         wager.

Each player places a side bet wager (usually the croupier places the wager) on the FREE ROLL™ side bet event. The dealer places the wagers in area 16. A separate marker or indicator is used to count the number of consecutive Passes using area 18 that have been made to indicate that the FREE ROLL™ event is in play. Once the minimum number of passes has been made (e.g., two Passes and a third Point), the player is eligible for a payout on each roll until a seven is rolled.

Usually and preferably the Pass event is played with only true Pass events counted (that is a Point is established and made before craps-seven is rolled). One embodiment redefines the odds and the rules, by classifying come-out sevens and elevens (which allow the shooter to continue and win the Pass Line wagers) as Passes, and establishing the point after two Passes, and/or as winning rolls after the third Point has been established, even if these are not preferred event formats. This would usually be done only after two true Passes have been effected, as the probability of a come-out seven or eleven is much higher than the probability of a true Pass event.

All of the apparatus, devices and methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the apparatus, devices and methods of this invention have been described in terms of both generic descriptions and preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations may be applied to the apparatus, devices and methods described herein without departing from the concept and scope of the invention. More specifically, it will be apparent that certain elements, components, steps, and sequences that are functionally related to the preferred embodiments may be substituted for the elements, components, steps, and sequences described and/or claimed herein while the same of similar results would be achieved. All such similar substitutions and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the scope and concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 

1. A method of play in a game of Craps comprising: a first player placing a side bet wager on an occurrence of a series of events; a shooter throwing dice and playing the game of Craps; the series of events comprising of at least two consecutive Passes being made; and establishing a third Point; and paying the first player a payout when the series of events occurs prior to the shooter rolling a seven.
 2. The method of claim 1 and further comprising: paying the player a payout for each roll made after the third point is established, until a seven is rolled.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein at least some payouts for rolls are made at 1:1 odds for each roll.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein no count of successful rolls is made by game pieces.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the Pass is established by first establishing a point selected from the group 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 and then rolling the same number before rolling a
 7. 6. The method of claim 1 wherein after the third point is established, the player is paid 1:1 on each non-seven roll.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein at least one Pass event is selected from the group consisting of: 1) any roll other than a seven (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12); 2) any point roll (4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10); 3) any point roll and or 11; 4) any point roll and a craps (2, 3 or 12); and 5) any point roll and fewer than all other rolls other than a 7, such as only 2 and 3; only 2, 3 and 11; only 3, 11 and 12; only 2 and 12; and only 2, 11 and 12).
 8. An apparatus for playing the game of claim 1 wherein betting positions specific to the side bet wager are placed in a position of a Craps table surface to be accessed by pit crew only.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein a separate betting position is provided for each player.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 and further comprising an area that designates a number of Passes made in a roll of a shooter.
 11. An improvement in a layout for the game of craps, including: at least one betting area for wagering on the occurrence in a single roll of a shooter; two consecutive Passes; and the establishment of a third Point prior to a shooter rolling a seven.
 12. The layout of claim 11, and further comprising an area for designating a number of passes established in a roll. 